He destroyed Iceland, who reached the World Cup playoffs last year, all on his own and was was the best player on the pitch by the length of the River Taff.

He has now scored six goals in eight games for club and country, most of the them world-class. He is even developing Cristiano Ronaldo’s swagger along with his hairstyle. Bale left the field after 72 minutes to a standing ovation.

The only pity there were not more than the 13,290 fans in the half-empty City of Cardiff Stadium to witness one of the world’s best players.

If Bale retains this form and fitness - and with Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledly to return - Wales have a real chance to make history in the Euro 2016 qualifiers starting in September. Bale is worth the admission fee on his own.

Playing in his club position on the right, the No 11’s combination with Reading’s Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes of Burnley was not as star-studded the Bernebeu BBC he forms with Karem Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. But last night Bale was the solo star of the show.

(Image: Stu Forster)

After 12 minutes, he whipped in a free kick for James Collins to head home his third international goal. Bale then tested Iceland keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson with two shots and clipped in a cross for Robson-Kanu to head over.

Poor left-back Ari Freyr Skulason, who plies his trade in Denmark for Odense, had never seen anything like it and Iceland skipper Aron Einar Gunnarsson gave him a kick to try and slow him down.

But Bale settled the match in a devastating spell after the break. His run set up a chance for Emyr Huws to mark his debut with a goal but the Manchester City midfielder, on-loan at Birmingham, shot over. Bale had a brief touchline discussion with manager Chris Coleman after 61 minutes.

Whatever was said, it worked. Two minutes later, he stormed down the right and when his shot was blocked on the line by Rotherham’s Kari Arnason, Vokes headed home.

He saved the best till last and after 70 minutes he picked up the ball in his own half, skinned Solvi Jonsson and

then Kari Arnason before crashing a shot home. If Bale plays like this, Wales could not only qualify for Euro 2016, they could win it!